Important Things To Know About Japanese Encephalitis

Monday, September 25, 2017

In light of the increasing reports of Japanese Encephalitis (JE) cases in the news online media, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and Sanofi Pasteur have come together to shed light about the nature of this disease and its prevention. So before we get confused and panicked on what this is about, a few medias and mommy bloggers was invited to clear the air about Japanese Encephalitis a few days ago at Dusit Thani Manila. Trusted and specialists on this disease are present on the event. One of the speakers is Dr Salvacion Gatchalian of the Pediatric Infectious Disease Society of the Philippines. Below are some of the key facts or the important things to know about Japanese Encephalitis that I have narrowed down for you.

What is Japanese Encephalitis?- It is caused by the JE virus spread by infected mosquitoes (Culex species).- Characterized by inflammation of the brain (encephalitis).- There is no specific treatment.- Fatal in 20-30% of cases; 30-50% of survivors suffer from permanent disabilities.Who are at risk?- 3 billion in transmission risk areas in 24 Southeast Asian and Western Pacific countries.- Predominantly found in rural & agricultural areas.- JE is found in ALL areas of the Philippines.- Affects mostly children below 15 years of age.Symptoms- high fever, headache, fatigue, vomiting, confusion, in severe cases, seizures, spastic paralysis, and comaPrevention1. Avoid mosquito bites. - Use insect repellent, bed nets - Wear proper clothing - Reduce exposure during peak biting hours (dusk to dawn)2. Vector Control Measures - We must know where are the breathing areas of mosquitoes such as stagnant waters, flood, pools, beaches, etc.3. Vaccination

JE Vaccination- There is little evidence to support a reduction in JE disease burden from interventions other than vaccination of humans.- JE in human can be greatly reduced despite ongoing transmission in animals.- JE vaccination can be highly cost-effective. Usually the cost starts at 2,500 pesos and up depending from the Peditricians.- WHO recommended for JE vaccine to be integrated into the national immunization program.- Even if with low number of cases, vaccinations should be considered.- PPS/PIDSP recommends JE vaccine for 9 months to 17 yrs old, 1 primary dose, followed by a booster dose 1-2 years after. For 18 yrs old, 1 primary dose only.- Sanofi Pasteur is the solely duly licensed manufacturer of Japanese Encephalitis Vaccine in the Philippines.- Vaccines prices are not yet fully regulated by the FDA. So the prices of the vaccines varies from hospitals and doctors.- FDA warns the public of availing JE vaccine online and from those who are not authorized. To check the licensed authorized distributor of JE Vaccine, you can visit the site fda.gov.ph.

The public is advised to visit their doctors to know more about JE and how to prevent the disease.

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